Chand back to play in Fiji after 20 years

DINESH Chand has confirmed his participation for the Fiji International and it would be the first time in 20 years that he would play golf on his homeland.

Chand who turned professional over 20 years ago has been playing in Japan mainly.

He said he is looking forward to supporting the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia tournament in its first year.

"It just feels great, I am so proud to be a Fijian," Chand said via a statement.

"It will be very different playing in front of your home crowd.

"We are a very small island and to have such big event is a dream."

Chand has won three times on the Japan Golf Tour and twice on the Japan Challenge Tour in his care that has spanned over 20 years.

The statement said when Chand was 10 years old, he would skip school to run over to the golf course to pick up Vijay Singh's practice balls.

He was introduced to golf at an early age by former world number one Singh, who was his idol.

Chand represented Fiji on several occasions in the World Cup of Golf (playing alongside Singh) and also played one of golf's biggest tournaments, the British Open twice and said he was looking forward to meeting Singh again.

"The last time I saw (Vijay) was in Japan where we played same tournament.

"This will be very big for golf in Fiji."

The inaugural Fiji International will be played from August 14 to 17 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.